[RBW] Re: New Clem L Owner - Initial reaction

Tim: Welcome to the forum and i'm glad you are enjoying the bike. RBW bikes are meant to be ridden and I hope you have many happy experiences with your new bike. Ann -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Update: I replaced the stock Kenda Kwick tires (good, solid commuter workhorses, but they're notorious in all wheel sizes for a dead ride) with Fatty Rumpkin Force Fields. What a revelation! Even though they're narrower than the Kwicks, they still deliver a plusher ride while inexplicably also

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Ash: Your riding conditions are pretty much why ebikes exist. It's a way to stay on the bike and get some exercise while still showing up for work safely, on time, and not a sweaty mess..it replaces a car. I do it for fun and to get up the monster hills around here, but commuting is really what

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Thanks Joe! You will get a flood of emails when I start this project :) For you it is headwinds and hills. For me it is 3 dozen or so stop signs and traffic lights on the way to work (23 miles). I'm thinking with a motor assist (a) my knees would feel better as I don't need to crank 0 to

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Btw, Ash (and anyone else), if you want to yak more about my electric build, gimme a holler at joeremi 62 at g mail dot com. I could yammer all night about this stuff here, but they'd run me outta Rivtown ;-) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Ash, I feel ya about ebikes. My first mid-drive was a dedicated ebike from Haibike, which was fun, but once the thrill of assisted pedaling wore off I became acutely aware that I was riding a basic Chinese aluminum hybrid with a boat-anchor suspension fork. Bogus! So I sold that on to the next

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Thanks, Ryan, the stealthiness is accomplished by putting two Mini Cube batteries from lunacycle.com in the TrunkSack. Most of these conversions have an huge battery attached to downtube water bottle bosses, which gives more range but adds weight and HEY I'M AN EBIKE! Ash, check that site for

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

barely notice the e-drive; it's quite unobtrusive On Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 10:00:44 PM UTC-5, Joe Bernard wrote: > > Clem L goes electric. > "Judas!" > (Grant will get that one) > > I did the deed today and it's fabulous. Honestly it's kind of ridiculous > how well this Riv model accepts

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

On downshifts, yes. Upshifts are still accomplished with one stroke of the lever. I would say that for being indexed (hiss, boo), these Shimano front shifters/derailleurs do work great once properly adjusted (and assuming you're using appropriate chainrings), way better than some other

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Joe, this's probably one of the best e-bikes out there! I'm saying this because I've tried a bunch of them and they are all terrible as a bicycle. I'm spoilt by the ride quality of my Joe, which the main reason I don't have an e-bike. Your add-on kit does not look all that clunky. I'd

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Great looking Clem(entine); I enjoy my Original Orangie, but looking at yours makes me wish I'd waited. I'd gladly sacrifice the curved stays for that wonderful seat cluster lug , normalish sized post & other refinements. It will be interesting to see how this model continues to evolve slowly

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I think the curved stays add so much to the look of the bike too. That's what drew me to this frame (with it's very subtle curve) for a relative with a less-than-Riv budget and who I am helping put together a bike for. This picture is close to what ours will look like (no fenders and racks for

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Joe, Late to this thread, but allow me to echo others in heaping kudos upon your beautiful bike. I wondered when you would go electric with it. Enjoy! Erl -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Wait, you're supposed to shift twice for one chainring?? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

That plastic insert is something that they started doing on the higher end 11spd groups and now it looks like it has trickled down to Claris. Its function is related to the indexing on those higher end road groups. They actually made the downshift onto the small rings two step: one click

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Clem L goes electric. "Judas!" (Grant will get that one) I did the deed today and it's fabulous. Honestly it's kind of ridiculous how well this Riv model accepts and works with a mid-drive kit; it's smooth and stable enough to handle the extra weight and speed, and it still turns and stops

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Very odd; I've never seen that before, either. To quiet what might otherwise be loud shifts from badly adjusted derailleur? On Sat, Aug 19, 2017 at 3:57 PM, Joe Bernard wrote: > Here's a thing I've never seen before. I just pulled the Claris fd and > discovered this plastic

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Update on weight (still no actual scale): Yeah, after moving this bike around a bunch today I'd say I was a little optimistic. It feels like 32-33 with rack and fenders..probably around 30 lbs. without (but with a Brooks). If you really wanted to weight-weenie a Clem (silly!) you could use the

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Hi Bill, the new 45/52s have a smaller seattube than the first batch; they use a 26.8 post like the Appaloosa. I'm planning to replace with an S83 - love me some setback and two bolts - but Riv is out of stock at the moment. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Joe, I have a 27.2 seatpost in my Clem, with an aluminum shim. Works perfectly. Shims are only a few bucks, if you have a nice standard post around you might go that way. Bill Stockton, CA -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch"

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

A John's Irish Strap from Riv works fine. And it has a multitude of uses. As an example, see Grant's latest Blahg. Best, Richard Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 18, 2017, at 7:19 PM, 'Ann L' via RBW Owners Bunch > wrote: > > > I weigh 115 lbs. My 46 cm

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Congratulations on owning a Clementine! I have one also. Before you cut the bars, considering living with them a while. At first I found them VERY awkward, and didn't know if I could EVER get used to them, but with time I've found the boscos to be very versatile and once I put my own ergonomic

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

A velcro pantleg reflector between fromt wheel and front downtube? On Aug 18, 2017 8:54 PM, "Joe Bernard" wrote: > I have a Velo Deflopinator (not currently in use, it's around here > somewhere). You can set it up with enough tension to keep the wheel from > slamming over

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I have a Velo Deflopinator (not currently in use, it's around here somewhere). You can set it up with enough tension to keep the wheel from slamming over into your toptube, but its ability to keep a wheel straight while portaging is limited. It helps, but having it tight enough to have the

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I weigh 115 lbs. My 46 cm Appaloosa with bags weighs 32 lbs and I have to carry it up three flights of stairs. I will usually grab the middle of the top tube with my right hand and carry it low, balancing some of the weight against my hip. I use my left hand to guide/support the grip on the

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Hi, Lum. Weight is an issue for me, because I have to lift a bike high to store it on the bike wall rack (it's the upper most bike) in a long narrow hallway. I know bike stores think I'm nuts, but I make sure I can lift every bike I consider. I could not lift the 2016 Clementine; perhaps the

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

I will have to check that out. Also the nose of the saddle idea I felt a little embarassed about mentioning this, but I thought the group would have some good ideas, and you did! So thanks for that! On Friday, August 18, 2017 at 7:56:33 AM UTC-5, ericf3 wrote: > > Just a thought...would

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

"With a few accoutrements" is not how I quoted 25-27 lbs. I'm sure my bike is closer to 30 with the racks. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Just a thought...would something like a VO Wheel stabilizer help free up a hand? Never used one but am thinking of steering dampers from my motorbike days... EricF Rainy Golden Lake Ont On Aug 18, 2017 8:47 AM, "'Mark in Beacon' via RBW Owners Bunch" < rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com> wrote:

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I would agree that 27 pounds for a Clem with a few accoutrements is optimistic. Although some of the tubes on the newer versions is not as oversize, that would have little affect. I live in a third-floor walkup apartment. When going down the stairs, I carry my Clem L with left hand on the

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I believe he's in El Cerrito. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Where is EC? -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group, send email to

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Ryan Fleming mused: "Maybe you guys and gals have some tips for schlepping step throughs up and down stairs...kinda dumb, I know. But the garage is NOT an option for my Rivendells , and I live in a pretty decent neighborhood but shit happens as we all know. " For bikes that lack a diamond

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Toptube on shoulder works for diamond frames, but I find as I've gotten older that hefting it up there can be a chore. With the Clem I bend my knees a little, one hand at curve, one hand on left handgrip, and stand up straight. I find this method a bit easier, but I wouldn't say either is

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

With all due respect I would be very surprised if the Clems weigh 25-27 lbs; I'd be more inclined to guess somewhere north of 30 lbs. I suspect my custom is more than 30...the boxed bike with the uber-Riv protective packaging weighed 35 lbs according to the customs stamp. But as you said,

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

No idea, but I would guess around 25-27 lbs. without racks. As set up with racks mine is a little heavier, but it's pretty easy to carry the flight of stairs to my apartment by lifting at the curve of the top bar. Lifting up stairs is the only time weight is an equation with this bike; when on

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Hi Joe, How much does your Clem L weigh? Looking for something lighter than 32lbs. complete for the wife. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Pretty much the same seat lug and fork crown as my (yet unridden - shame on me) custom mixte I got a while back which I hope to get on soon. Which adds to the attraction of the Clem and yet takes nothing away from my custom. Such a nice touch for Rivendell's 1500.00 bike. Your newest photos

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Joe, nicely done! It's a beauty. Thanks for the drivetrain description. Best, Richard Sent from my iPhone > On Aug 16, 2017, at 4:29 PM, Joe Bernard wrote: > > Update with new pics, and more ride impressions with the stock drivetrain > before I (gasp!) electrify it. >

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Congrats Joe. The bike looks awesome! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group,

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Update with new pics, and more ride impressions with the stock drivetrain before I (gasp!) electrify it. I cut an inch off the bars, swapped in a B17 Select from another bike, and added the SOMA Porteur front rack I got from Ely at RuthWorkssf.com (thanks, Ely!). As I said before,

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Yeah, there's a million old Univega and Nishiki mixtes out there with dropbars and "safety" brake levers. Every one of them needs 3-speed bars immediately! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and

Re: [RBW] Re: New Clem L

Joe: When the end of your drop bar aligns perfectly with your top tube, you do 2 things: 1. Install Velox bar end plugs, if you are not using bar end shifters. 2. If you are using bar end shifters, wind a big wad of left over handlbar tape on the top tube at the point of meeting. Bam! No damage!

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I agree with you Mark. That combo just doesn't do it for me in the looks department -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I totally dig my mixte and my Clem L. But for a bicycle with drop bars, I must have a traditional diamond frame--preferably non-sloping. I just do not like the look of mixtes with drop bars, and I have the urge to convert every one I see to some version of an upright bar. Step through with

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

I'd like to know how mixte/step-through ever developed a reputation as "lady bikes" in this country. There's no logical reason for it, and the rest of the world doesn't seem to care where the toptube goes as long as it works. The big triangle of H-frames is necessary for super-stiff race

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Congrats on the great looking bike. I love that green. I was shocked at how rideable my wife's 52 Clementine is for me at 6'... I've got a set of Schwable G-one tires coming that I can't wait to try on that frame. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Congrats on the great looking bike. I love that green. I was shocked at how rideable my wife's 52 Clementine is for me at 6'... I've got a set of Schwable G-one tires coming that I can't wait to try on that frame. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Sweet bike Joe. I too love the color. A step-through is making more and more sense. I can definitely see a Clem L in my future. Wishing you many happy rides. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Real men ride mixtes ;) On Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 5:42:46 AM UTC-5, Mark in Beacon wrote: > > As a fellow Clem L, aka Clementine, owner, I'm green with envy on that > color. The bike looks gorgeous. In my mind, it's almost impossible not to > like the ride of a Clem with Boscos. The Clem L

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Ah, my bad, I always get confused between mixte and step-through. I've spent much time on folders and recumbents, and they all have low frames with no reference name other than "that's the frame." At any rate my step-through looks like a Dutch Bike to me so there it is, it's a Rivendell Dutch

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Well if that's not the pot calling the kettle black... :) On Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 8:53:54 AM UTC-4, Belopsky wrote: > > That he then sold :) > > Looks nice! > > On Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 4:49:27 AM UTC-4, REC wrote: >> >> It's a beauty. I'm glad you're just as happy with this as you

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

That he then sold :) Looks nice! On Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 4:49:27 AM UTC-4, REC wrote: > > It's a beauty. I'm glad you're just as happy with this as you were with > the appaloosa. > > On Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 6:21:31 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: >> >> Got it yesterday, did a few

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

As a fellow Clem L, aka Clementine, owner, I'm green with envy on that color. The bike looks gorgeous. In my mind, it's almost impossible not to like the ride of a Clem with Boscos. The Clem L is not a mixte, however, it's a step-through--which only makes it that much more manly a choice,

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

It's a beauty. I'm glad you're just as happy with this as you were with the appaloosa. On Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 6:21:31 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: > > Got it yesterday, did a few miles shakedown/adjust-stuff ride today. To > steal Velouria's blog name, what a lovely bike! It has the

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Hi Ann, yes, it's really pretty isn't it? I remember staring at a 60cm Cheviot in that color at RBW a year ago, and when the Clem L came out with it I jumped. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

That's a really beautiful bike. I loved that green since they first used it on Cheviot. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

It is a beautiful and practical bike! congrats Joe I dig that color! On Wednesday, 9 August 2017 15:21:31 UTC-7, Joe Bernard wrote: > > Got it yesterday, did a few miles shakedown/adjust-stuff ride today. To > steal Velouria's blog name, what a lovely bike! It has the magical >

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Why did they do away with the swoopy seat stays? Thats one of my favorite things about the Clem! Still great looking bike -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it,

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Joe, congratulations! Great looking ride. The Clems are such nice riders. Enjoy! Richard On Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 6:21:31 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: > > Got it yesterday, did a few miles shakedown/adjust-stuff ride today. To > steal Velouria's blog name, what a lovely bike! It has the

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Btw, "elegant" is kinda funny. The Clem project started as a 'Riv beater bike' from the youngsters there that was supposed to be flat black so it looked rattle-canned. Oops! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Thanks, Evan! Yeah, I fell in love with that color (someone here called it Acid Green, pretty cool) when it showed up on the Cheviot. I wasn't quite evolved (or rich enough) then for a mixte, so I jumped this time. It's hard to express how elegant the bike is in person, especially fendered and

[RBW] Re: New Clem L

Beautiful bike, Joe! Love the color. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bunch+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To post to this group,

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Jim, it's a Nitto R10 bag support I bought from someone here. It's kinda minimalist, it doesn't double as a rack for a trunk bag or panniers (you might make a Small Loafer fit). I like it 'cause it supports the Carradice I sometimes run, without having that "I'm a big empty rack" look when I

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Joe,What is the rear rack? Jim D Massachusetts On Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 6:29:10 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: > > On Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 4:10:23 PM UTC-7, LLM wrote: > > The Clem-L Complete that I pre-ordered back in April, arrived this

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Ah, no, my Clem - which was just delivered to a list member - was green. And as you say about the blue, it changes significantly depending on the light. I found when seeing both blue bikes at RBW that the colors are closer than they appear in our respective photos. -- You received this

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Very nice! I see how the Joe blue is lighter than the Clem blue. So you have both bikes in blue? On Wednesday, August 17, 2016 at 6:29:10 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: > > On Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 4:10:23 PM UTC-7, LLM wrote: > > The Clem-L Complete that I pre-ordered back in April,

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Nice! I gave one of these a test ride at Gravel & Grind. I was impressed. It's a great bike! On Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 7:10:23 PM UTC-4, LLM wrote: > > The Clem-L Complete that I pre-ordered back in April, arrived this past > Friday. (Happy dance!!) The photo was taken today during my

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

You have never steered me wrong, Joe. ;-) There's a quiet stretch of bike path near me that I'm planning to practice on. On Monday, August 15, 2016 at 10:30:22 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: > > Linda, you might get the hang of the infernal clicking after a few weeks. > I was admittedly on a

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Linda, you might get the hang of the infernal clicking after a few weeks. I was admittedly on a borrowed bike and trying desperately to keep up with people who ride a lot more than myself. This was not a good time for a 'new part' test! -- You received this message because you are subscribed

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Thanks, Kai! I will give the infernal clicking a little more time. Good to know there is an easy fix if I decide to give up on them. On Monday, August 15, 2016 at 1:28:00 PM UTC-4, Kai Vierstra wrote: > > Beautiful set up, and as has been mentioned on this list before, the > Silvers fit on

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Yespretty eyebrows and wings! I understand that not all of the bikes are coming with these.I will be writing someone at Rivendell a nice thank you note. I thought I'd give the shifters a chance and I did I make steady progress over the course of a weekend. We'll see. I do a lot of

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Thanks for all of the kind words and good wishes! I dusted off my Flickr account and added a few more photos . -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Nice bike. love the gray, blue, and silver together. Congrats on being able to get out again for a ride! -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Nicely appointed, and the color is super--the grayish silver of the P65s looks great with that wonderful blue, as does the stock gray saddle. Just a super looking, super capable bicycle! I have the Rustine grips on two bikes, they look and feel great. But the stock grips on my Clementine are

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Fantastic, Linda! Beautiful bike and how wonderful to get out and ride again! May you enjoy many happy miles together! With abandon, Patrick On Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 5:10:23 PM UTC-6, LLM wrote: > > The Clem-L Complete that I pre-ordered back in April, arrived this past > Friday. (Happy

[RBW] Re: New Clem-L Bike Day

Yes, we did, Joethanks again for your help! It's a hard color to describe, and difficult to capture with a camera. Kind of a stormy turquoise/tealbut subject to change depending on the lighting. I like it a lot. On Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 7:29:14 PM UTC-4, Joe Bernard wrote: > >